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A huge act of generosity involving at least 10 years of intricate engineering has resulted in Tauranga's Classic Flyers Museum becoming the proud owner of a unique collection of working scale model aircraft engines.

The 13 engines were donated by 82-year-old retired cabinet maker Bill Janes who has a passion for modelling that dated back to his early childhood.

"I am well versed in the idiosyncrasies of old machinery," he said.

He made everything that went into the engines except for the valve springs. "It took about nine months to make one engine."